Designer Hayley Paige’s Battle with JLM Couture: Who owns @misshayleypaige?

  • February 27, 2022
  • Stephanie Carbone, Keslassy Freedman Gelfand LLP

Bridal designer Hayley Paige Gutman, known for her opulent gowns and booming social media presence, has been in an intense legal battle for the past two years with her former employer JLM Couture, Inc. On January 25, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit released its decision with respect to the most recent appeal from the designer. Gutman raised several arguments disputing a preliminary injunction order by the District Court which, amongst other things, granted JLM exclusive control over certain social media accounts actively run by Gutman. The injunction had effectively barred Gutman from using accounts on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest which bear her name.

In and around 2011, Gutman entered into an employment agreement with JLM and has seen much success from it. Having generated millions in sales through the creation of a bridal wear line, the growth of JLM led to global recognition for Gutman. Alongside this, Gutman cultivated a social media presence which further promoted her namesake wedding gowns. The relationship between the parties appeared to be mutually beneficial.